Utica Community Schools economizing with online 'Techbook'

(The Macomb Daily/DAVID N. POSAVETZ)
Duncan Elementary School teacher Lynn D’Amico works with students Helena Haddad (face hidden) and Chloe Pierce on science lessons. Utica Community Schools expanded on a program this year that eliminates traditional textbooks and delivers science instruction online.

When it comes to teaching science to elementary school students, Utica Community Schools is saying high tech and good-bye text.

District officials announced recently they have expanded a pilot program that began last year and will now offer high quality digital content in science to students in grades three through six at all of Utica’s 25 elementary schools.

The program, called “Techbook,” is offered to UCS through its partnership with Discovery Education. The online delivery was tested last year in eight schools. Officials said positive responses from teachers and students encouraged expansion of the program for 2013-2014.

“The ability to access and evaluate real-time information like Techbook is an important skill that will allow our graduates to compete internationally for the jobs of tomorrow.”

Techbook delivers detailed lesson plans and model lessons that help pave the way for transition to digital resources. Students have access to video, interactive text, digital simulations and virtual and hands-on labs, and teachers can use the time they save to provide personal instruction to students.

The program works with iPads, tablets, mobile devices and laptop and desktop computers. Techbook is updated constantly to reflect changes in the scientific world.

Lynn D’Amico and Michele Pyke are fifth-grade teachers at Duncan Elementary School. Both worked with Techbook during the pilot period last year and both endorse the program.

“(Students) have the ability to work at school and at home,” D’Amico said.

“Students could do that with a traditional textbook, “but not in the same format” or with the same resources Techbook provides.

Pyke also said the program enables teachers to closely monitor their students’ progress as well as highlight areas in which they might need additional help.

“Anything we have that will increase student understanding is a wonderful tool,” she said.

In addition to providing cutting-edge instruction, school officials maintain Techbook is cost-effective.

According to figures provided by the district, one copy of a science textbook used in Utica’s elementary schools costs $85. The per pupil cost of Techbook is $13 a year.

“Rather than buy science textbooks that can get outdated the day they are delivered, this is updated on a regular basis using the resources of Discovery Education,” said Tim McAvoy, UCS spokesman.

Discovery Education has maintained a presence in Utica schools for several years. Before adopting Techbook, Utica educators used the Discovery Education Streaming service to enhance classroom instruction.

According to Discovery, 15 public and private schools in Michigan use Techbook. Utica Community Schools is the only district in Macomb County to employ the program.

“One of the reasons Utica Community Schools is a leader in digital innovation is that they realize one of the facets of digital learning is good citizenship,” said Andy Schaefer, vice president of Discovery Education.

“We look forward to continuing to work with Dr. Johns and the entire Utica team on our joint mission to prepare today’s students for success in our increasingly global community.”